Shared Virtual Presentation Board for e-Communication on the WebELS Platform

Abstract

In this paper, a shared virtual presentation board (VPB) for e-Communication application on the Web-based e-Learning System (WebELS) platform is introduced. WebELS is a general-purpose e-Learning system to support flexibility and globalization of higher education in science and technology. In WebELS, the Meeting module consists of online slide presentation and video meeting, which the combination of both creates a so-called virtual room for e-Communication applications where meeting participants convene via the Internet. Online presentation features synchronized remote control for scrolling function, zooming function, cursor movement, shifting of slides back and forth, and even controlling the playback of video embedded on the slide. It also features online annotation to enhance the versatility and usefulness of online presentation. Online annotation allows the presenter to overwrite figures, draw objects or write mathematical equations to further elaborate what is being presented in a synchronized manner. This paper discusses the features of online presentation and the development of a virtual presentation board (VPB). VPB is a shared object that resides on the WebELS server system and is periodically accessed by WebELS client system in order that attendee’s presentation viewer can replicate that of the presenter.